Dear Editor,
Since the world has become aware of COVID-19, we all witnessed its devastating effects. We’ve watched with anticipation as different countries attempted to introduce various methods to combat it. Whilst there have been some successful stories, a few countries are failing miserably. And while we depend heavily on leaders for guidance, measures being put in place are not being properly considered and it’s telling on us heavily. In Guyana, our infection and death count seem to be increasing and while we are fearfully monitoring it, various reasons exist that would cause us to have to venture outside into the danger zone.
Editor, one of the most effective methods of fighting the virus is to avoid gatherings, and the Demerara Speedboat Association has come up with a method that causes me to question the sanity of the decision maker/makers of this feeble idea. They have chosen to reduce the boats’ working hours which means that a boat works one day and stays home the next day, whilst the other boats are working. This causes a crowd to build up tremendously during the rush hours. Commuters are forced to wait, building in large numbers before going to stand at the loading area again, and then boarding the boat. This means that twice the usual amount of people have to gather in large numbers before boarding the boats. Further, because of the reduction of boats during the rush hours (morning and afternoon), there aren’t enough to accommodate the commuters. If the decision makers are monitoring this madness, they would see the dangers they are exposing themselves and commuters to. Wouldn’t it have been better to allow all the boats to work during the rush hours and continue with the rotating schedule instead of endangering peoples’ lives?
Yours faithfully,
Sahadeo Bates
